HOUSTON—Recently formed iNitrile, a subsidiary of Texas Medical Technology L.L.C., has joined the small but growing ranks of companies that will produce nitrile gloves in the U.S.
In order to handle production of the new product line, the company is in the midst of constructing a 230,000-sq.-ft. powder-free protective gloves manufacturing plant in Houston, according to Omri Shaffran, founder and CEO of Houston-headquartered Texas Medical Technology.
iNitrile—which invented, developed and offers automated disposable glove dispensers aimed at helping combat the spread of infections within companies and organizations—also will assemble all of the dispensers at the new factory, he said.
Shaffran added that "the machine streamlines the process of disposable-glove placement (on hands), minimizing waste and reducing cost. More importantly, it eliminates the risk of user contamination.
"First, it verifies an authorized user through its check-in function, utilizing radio frequency identification to scan a badge or tag. The machine then prompts the user to sanitize their hands via a built-in sanitization machine. A compartment then opens, allowing the user to insert (the person's hands) into an inflated glove."
Construction of the new factory should be completed in October, at which time the company will begin production of products. Financial details were not disclosed.
However, the company said that $33 million raised by Jad Shraim—co-founder and chief financial officer of another Texas Medical Technology subsidiary, Texas Medical Manufacturing L.L.C.—helped fuel the firm's plan to build the glove plant. Shraim serves as chief financial officer of iNitrile
iNitrile was formed in August 2020 to produce personal protection equipment and is one of two businesses in the Texas Medical Technology group of companies. The other is Texas Medical Manufacturing.
"Strategically, the majority of our product distribution will be managed via our partnerships and joint venture," Modoc Medical Solutions, according to Shaffran. That includes strong relationships with two large global distributors, he said.
"Representatives of those companies have already visited our headquarter offices and have expressed interest in cultivating our relationship even deeper," he said.
Shaffran said the company has begun working in collaboration with local charities and organizations, "including YMCA Greater Houston and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, where we have begun actively providing employment opportunities for refugees and people who deserve a second chance.
"With many of them working at our facilities, it's great to be able to support the local community during the pandemic."
Shraim's involvement went a long way in creating iNitrile's plans to expand and add the glove and automated dispenser plant, Shaffran indicated.
"He's an active entrepreneur who, alongside me, recognized the growing need for creating medical equipment at the outbreak of the pandemic," Shaffran said. Shraim also served as managing director at Broadridge Financial Solutions, a large global financial technology solution firm.
"Jad believed in our vision to provide preventive, life-saving medical supplies that helped people on the front lines stay safe," Shaffran added. "Jad's role is that of strategic partner and investor for Texas Medical Manufacturing and iNitrile."
